Physical Therapy's Scope of Practice and Role in Interprofessional Healthcare

Role of Physical Therapists in Interprofessional Health Care
Physical therapists are movement system experts who improve quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. They examine, evaluate, diagnose, and manage movement disorders and dysfunction across a wide range of clinical populations, from musculoskeletal and neurological conditions to cardiopulmonary, oncologic, pediatric, and geriatric care. Physical therapist assistants, also licensed, provide care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.

Physical therapy interventions are grounded in a comprehensive examination and individualized plan of care developed collaboratively with the patient, targeting their specific goals, functional priorities, and health context. Physical therapists have direct access to evaluate and treat patients in all U.S. jurisdictions and provide services in person and via telehealth.

Physical therapists may hold board certification in 11 recognized specialty areas through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, with more than 40,000 board-certified specialists currently in practice.

As interprofessional team members, physical therapists:

• Provide leadership in interprofessional collaborative health care, with an emphasis on prevention, wellness, and quality of life;
• Engage all members of the health care team by listening to and valuing their contributions, respecting each profession’s expertise, and sharing responsibility for coordinated patient care;
• Direct the diagnosis and management of movement system disorders and dysfunction, including responding to treatment requests before and after medical interventions, surgery, and other disease-management services;
• Collaborate with health care professionals on interprofessional planning, clinical decision-making, outcomes assessment, and quality improvement;
• Communicate the knowledge, skills, professional roles, and specialty expertise of physical therapists to other health care professionals;
• Contribute to research, outcomes assessment, quality-of-life evaluation, and analysis of the benefits and costs of specific interventions;
• Refer patients to other health professionals when the patient’s history or examination findings suggest a systemic disease, disorder, or dysfunction; and
• Educate patients and health care professionals about exercise, activity, and movement to prevent disease and dysfunction and support overall health.